Protests after UP govt suspends IAS officer

Uttar Pradesh IAS Association has taken strong exception to the suspension of sub divisional magistrate (SDM) of Gautam Budh Nagar, Durga Shakti Nagpal, and demanded that it should be revoked immediately.

The call comes amid reports that the state government may revoke the suspension as the move faced stiff criticism from all quarters.

A delegation of association met acting chief secretary Alok Ranjan this morning, saying the suspension of the woman IAS officer was against rules.

Nagpal had taken on the powerful sand mafia in the area and was suspended just months into her assignment. She was ostensibly penalised for ordering demolition of a wall at a disputed place of worship in Greater Noida. However, opposition parties have alleged that the SDM was suspended on the behest of sand mafia.

Association secretary Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma and other senior IAS officers had a detailed discussion on the issue with Ranjan and the officers of state appointment department.

Besides being the acting chief secretary, Ranjan is also the president of the association. Ranjan confirmed that a delegation from the association had met him this morning. “Association members demanded that the state government should reconsider the order to suspend Durga Shakti Nagpal. We will request the chief minister to reconsider the order,” he said.